Report: Spurs warned off 'not for sale' target Jay Rodriguez

Southampton manager Ronald Koeman has ruled out Jay Rodriguez's departure from St. Mary's, insisting that the English forward is not for sale.

Rumours have persisted this month in the Daily Star that Rodriguez could be set for a move to Tottenham Hotspur or Manchester City in the coming weeks, but Koeman is determined to keep hold of the 25-year-old.

Rodriguez is yet to play under Koeman's stewardship because of a serious knee injury which he picked up last campaign, but the Dutchman clearly has seen his value.

"That kind of rumours is all the season,” he said to the Daily Echo. “He’s a Southampton player, he has a contract and he’s not for sale."

That the Saints have achieved such success this year without Rodriguez in their team makes their achievement all the more impressive.

The powerful attacker was the side's top-scorer last term, but they have covered for his absence brilliantly - with a number of members of their first-team squad stepping up in his place.

It means that when Rodriguez does return he is likely to be part of a push for the Champions League, with his place in the side no longer guaranteed.

The likes of Dusan Tadic, Graziano Pelle and Sadio Mane - who all arrived while Rodriguez has been one the treatment table - have been three of the Saints' key players to date this campaign and dislodging any of the trio would be a tough ask.

John Verrall

John is a sports journalism graduate from Staffordshire University. He is a huge football fan and a minute-by-minute writer for UEFA.com, as well as being a freelance writer for Sports New Media. John has also seen his work been published by the likes of The Guardian, World Soccer and Shoot Magazine over the course of his bourgeoning journalism career so far. He has a particular expertise in all things to do with the Football League – and is a passionate Peterborough United fan.